Honor Emily Felmet Award

Senate Resolution No. 5500 BY: Senator JACOBS HONORING Emily Felmet upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of a Woman Who Moves the City Award by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara and the Southern Tier on May 2, 2018 WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Emily Felmet upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of a Woman Who Moves the City Award by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara and the Southern Tier, celebrated at its 5th Annual Event on Wednesday, May 2,

2018, at the Hotel Lafayette in Buffalo, New York; and WHEREAS, Emily Felmet earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in both Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Bonaventure University; she furthered her education by obtaining her Master of Science degree in Communication and Leadership from Canisius College; and WHEREAS, Emily Felmet has been called upon to contribute her time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given of herself unstintingly; and WHEREAS, A true asset to her community, Emily Felmet has been a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara and the Southern Tier since July of 2010; throughout the last eight years, Emily has created an amazing friendship with her Little Sister Quinnshona; and WHEREAS, Emily Felmet has truly been a consistent and positive role model for Quinnshona; she has shown her love, and support and has proudly watched her mature from a child to a self-confident, happy high school student; in 2016, Emily and Quinnshona won the First Niagara Mentoring Matters Contest for a video featuring their friendship; and WHEREAS, Emily Felmet is also passionate about forwarding the agency's mission through its Big Mirror and Women Who Move the City Committees; she has been a member of the Big Engagement Team (BET), and currently, serves as the 2018 co-Chair of Big Engagement Team (BET); in this capacity, she has shared what it is like to be a Big Sister at new volunteer orientations, helped organize mixers, and participated in agency call nights; she has also been instrumental in raising significant funds through the Big Give campaign; and WHEREAS, Passionate about making a difference throughout WNY, Emily Felmet is a volunteer English tutor for refugees at the International Institute of Buffalo, co-founded and served as a member of B-Team Buffalo, has been involved with the Buffalo Junior Chamber of Commerce, and participated in the Susan G. Komen three-day, 60-mile walk in San Francisco, California; and WHEREAS, Emily Felmet was employed as a Digital Content Producer at WIVB-TV until she was hired as a Social Media Strategist for BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York in 2015; always ready and willing to help, she participated in the 2018 United Way of Buffalo and Erie County's Leadership Executive Program and helps run her company's United Way campaign; and WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a period of constructive involvement, Emily Felmet has stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and WHEREAS, Emily Felmet resides in the Town of Tonawanda, New York, with her husband, Aaron, and their dog Omar; when she is not working or helping someone, she enjoys visiting local museums and theaters, spending time at Canalside and Delaware Park, and cheering for the Bills and Sabres; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Emily Felmet has displayed throughout her life; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Emily Felmet upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of a Woman Who Moves the City Award by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara and the Southern Tier on May 2, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Emily Felmet.